Rent a Motorhome in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Discover the Heart of Tenerife: Santa Cruz

Welcome to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the vibrant heart of the Canary Islands and the perfect starting point for your island adventure! When you rent a motorhome in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you unlock the freedom to explore this island of contrasts at your own pace. Forget rigid hotel schedules; your home is on wheels, ready for whatever the day brings.

Geography and Significance
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Tenerife, Santa Cruz is the co-capital of the Canary Islands, sharing the title with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. With a population of over 200,000, it's a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and history. Its port is one of the busiest in Spain, a crucial link for trade and tourism in the Atlantic. For you, it’s the gateway to an epic road trip. The decision to rent a camper in Santa Cruz de Tenerife puts you right in the center of the action, with easy access to the Anaga mountains to the north and the highway leading south to the Teide volcano and famous beaches.

A Rich History
The city's story began in 1494 when it was founded by the Spanish conqueror Alonso Fernández de Lugo. It grew from a small fishing village into a strategic port. One of its most famous historical moments occurred in 1797 when it successfully repelled an attack by the British Royal Navy, led by none other than Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, who lost his right arm in the battle. This victory is still celebrated with pride. As you drive your campervan through the city, you're travelling through centuries of history.

Climate and Best Time to Travel
Tenerife is known as the 'Island of Eternal Spring', and Santa Cruz is no exception. It boasts a mild, subtropical climate year-round, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 18°C (64°F) and summer temperatures averaging a pleasant 28°C (82°F). This makes any time the perfect time to rent a motorhome in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. However, spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are particularly ideal, offering beautiful weather with fewer crowds. The world-famous Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held in February or March, is an explosion of color and music, but be sure to book your vehicle and campsites far in advance if you plan to visit then. For adventurers looking to explore the rugged terrain of the island, a decision to rent a 4x4 camper in Santa Cruz de Tenerife opens up even more possibilities.

Why Start Here?
Choosing to rent a camper in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the smartest first step for your journey. You can stock up on supplies at the fantastic Mercado Nuestra Señora de África, soak in the local culture, and then hit the road. From the dramatic cliffs of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the south, your adventure begins in this dynamic and welcoming city.

Exploring the Surroundings: Top Sights & Activities

Once you've picked up your keys and are ready to go, the area around Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a wealth of sights and activities. Your decision to rent a motorhome in Santa Cruz de Tenerife means you can explore these fantastic locations on your own schedule.

Auditorio de Tenerife 'Adán Martín'
You can't miss this stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its iconic, wave-like roof dominates the city's skyline. Park your camper nearby and take a guided tour or, even better, catch a performance.

Plaza de España
This is the largest square in the Canary Islands and a central meeting point. It features a large artificial lake and is surrounded by government buildings and historical sites. It’s a great place for a stroll before you head out of the city.

Parque García Sanabria
Considered the 'lungs' of the city, this beautiful park is an urban oasis. It's filled with exotic plants, fountains, and sculptures. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon picnic.

Mercado Nuestra Señora de África
Immerse yourself in local life at this vibrant market. Stock up on fresh produce, local cheeses, wines, and other delicacies for your road trip. It’s an essential first stop after you rent a camper in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Playa de las Teresitas
Just a short drive from the city center, you'll find this picturesque beach. With its golden sand imported from the Sahara Desert and calm, turquoise waters, it’s an ideal spot for a beach day. There's ample parking, making it easy to visit with your motorhome.

Teide National Park
No trip to Tenerife is complete without visiting Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak. The drive up is spectacular, with the landscape changing from green forests to a surreal, volcanic moonscape. The park offers numerous hiking trails and a cable car to take you near the summit. For the more remote trails, you'll be glad you chose to rent a 4x4 camper in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, giving you the confidence to explore off the beaten path.

Your Tenerife Road Trip Itineraries

With your camper ready to roll, the entire island of Tenerife is your playground. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get you started after you rent a motorhome in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

🌋 The Volcanic Heart & Northern Charm (4-Day Tour)

🌿 The Anaga Rural Park Adventure (3-Day Tour)

Returning Your Motorhome Spotless

Before you return your vehicle, it's important to give it a good clean, inside and out. The challenge with motorhomes is their height, as they won't fit in standard automatic car washes. You need to find a facility equipped for larger vehicles, like a truck wash.

Here are a few suitable locations in or near Santa Cruz de Tenerife where you can wash your motorhome:

1. Estación de Servicio Cepsa Añaza
Address: Autopista del Sur, km 5, 38111 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Notes: This service station often has high-pressure jet washes suitable for larger vehicles. It's conveniently located on the main southern highway.

2. Lavado de Coches El Sobradillo
Address: C. el Chopo, 2, 38107 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Notes: A local car wash that may offer manual washing services for larger vehicles. It's best to call ahead and confirm they can accommodate your motorhome's dimensions.

3. DISA El Mayorazgo
Address: Polígono Industrial El Mayorazgo, 38109 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Notes: Located in an industrial area, this truck-friendly service station is a reliable option. They have the space and equipment needed for a thorough clean of a high-roof camper.

Getting to Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Getting to Tenerife to start your campervan adventure is straightforward, with two international airports serving the island: Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN). Santa Cruz is located much closer to the North airport.

From the UK & Ireland:
You're in luck! There are numerous direct flights to both Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN). Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, TUI, and British Airways fly from major airports such as London (Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, Dublin, and Cork.

From the USA & Canada:
There are currently no direct flights to Tenerife. The most common route is to fly to a major European hub and then take a connecting flight. Look for flights from New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), or Toronto (YYZ) to cities like Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Lisbon (LIS), or London (LHR). From there, you can catch a short flight to TFN or TFS.

From Australia & New Zealand:
Your journey will involve at least two stops. A typical itinerary would be flying from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Auckland (AKL) to a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha) or Asia (like Singapore), followed by a flight to a major European city, and then a final connection to Tenerife.

From South Africa:
There are no direct flights from South Africa. Travellers from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) will need to connect through a European hub. Common connection points include Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), or Madrid (MAD).

Once you arrive, picking up your pre-booked motorhome is the final step before your incredible Canary Island road trip begins. The freedom to explore awaits!